The loyalty program won for its “high percentage of luxury properties, rewarding Elite Status program, and vast geographic spread,” according to the results. The range of Starwood properties includes Sheraton, Westin, Le Meridien, W Hotels, Luxury Collection, St. Regis, Four Points, aloft & element Hotels.

Competition was based heavily on the ease and value of earning and redeeming points. However analysts also considered other criteria like number of hotels and rooms, perks, co-branded credit cards, and promotions or bonuses.

“We are continually amazed by the number of travelers who arrive to a hotel, are invited to join the chain’s program, and turn down the opportunity. From our perspective, that’s simply throwing away free money,” Nick Ewen, an analyst at ThePointsGuy.com, said in a statement. “We always encourage TPG readers to sign up for any and all loyalty programs.”